18 Again
A 37-year-old man becomes his 18-year-old self.
18 Again is a South Korean television series from 2020, adapted from Jason Filardi's 2009 film *17 Again*. The show features Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Lee Do-hyun in leading roles. It was broadcast on JTBC from September 21 to November 10, 2020, airing on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:30 (KST). Viewers can watch it on iQIYI and Viu, with subtitles available in multiple languages.
The story follows Jung Da-jung (Kim Ha-neul) and Hong Dae-young (Yoon Sang-hyun), a married couple with fraternal twins, Hong Shi-ah (Roh Jeong-eui) and Hong Shi-woo (Ryeoun). Their marriage was once happy despite starting young and facing financial struggles, but years later, it begins to fall apart. Da-jung files for divorce, their teenage twins ignore Dae-young except when asking for money, and Dae-young loses his job after his boss promotes a younger, less experienced employee and fires him.
Wishing he could turn back time, Dae-young’s 37-year-old body suddenly transforms into his 18-year-old self (played by Lee Do-hyun), while keeping his adult mind. He adopts the alias "Go Woo-young" and enrolls at Serim High School—the same school his twins attend and where he and Da-jung met 18 years earlier. As Woo-young, he discovers his daughter Shi-ah is working a part-time job without permission, and his son Shi-woo is being bullied by basketball captain Goo Ja-sung (Hwang In-youp). He also learns about Shi-woo’s hidden talent and interest in basketball. Through these experiences, Dae-young comes to understand why his family grew apart and gets to know his children better. He decides to use this second chance to protect them by becoming their friend and being more present in their lives, even while appearing as an 18-year-old boy.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Romance · Comedy · Fantasy drama · Coming-of-age
- Based On
- 17 Again · Jason Filardi
- Writer
- Ahn Eun-bin · Choi Yi-ryool · Kim Do-yeon
- Director
- Ha Byung-hoon
- Starring
- Kim Ha-neul · Yoon Sang-hyun · Lee Do-hyun
- Theme Music Composer
- Various artistsSee 18 Again: OST Special Album CD 1 for the names of all involved theme music composers.
- Composer
- Various artistsSee 18 Again: OST Special Album CD 2 for the names of all involved musical score composers.
- Country
- South Korea
- Language
- Korean
- Num Episodes
- 16
- Executive Producer
- Im Byung-hoon
- Producer
- Kim Ji-won · Park Woo-ram
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The series follows Jung Da-jung (Kim Ha-neul) and Hong Dae-young (Yoon Sang-hyun), a married couple with fraternal twins, Hong Shi-ah and Hong Shi-woo. Their marriage crumbles when Da-jung files for divorce and Dae-young loses his job after his boss promotes a younger, less experienced employee. Wishing to fix his life, Dae-young's 37-year-old body morphs into his 18-year-old body (Lee Do-hyun) while retaining his 37-year-old mentality. He adopts the alias Go Woo-young and attends Serim High School, where his twins are students. There, he learns his daughter works part-time without permission and his son is bullied by basketball captain Goo Ja-sung (Hwang In-youp). Dae-young befriends his children and resolves to protect them.
Reader's Guide
18 Again is significant as a Korean adaptation of a Hollywood film, exploring themes of family, regret, and second chances. The series uses a fantasy premise—a man reverting to his teenage body—to examine the consequences of early parenthood and the importance of understanding one's children. It aired on JTBC in 2020 and was available on iQIYI and Viu. The cast includes Kim Ha-neul, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Lee Do-hyun, with supporting roles by Roh Jeong-eui, Ryeoun, and Hwang In-youp. The series highlights the emotional journey of a father who, through his younger appearance, rebuilds bonds with his family and learns the true reasons behind their struggles.
Did You Know?
- The series is based on the 2009 film 17 Again by Jason Filardi.
- Kim Ha-neul plays Jung Da-jung, a 37-year-old mother and JBC news anchor.
- Lee Do-hyun plays the 18-year-old version of Hong Dae-young, who uses the alias Go Woo-young.
- The series aired on JTBC from September 21 to November 10, 2020, every Monday and Tuesday at 21:30 (KST).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 18 Again?
18 Again is a 2020 South Korean fantasy-romance drama that aired on JTBC over 16 episodes from late September to mid-November. It follows a middle-aged father who suddenly reverts to his teenage body, forcing him to re-examine his marriage and family life.
Who stars in 18 Again?
The lead roles are played by Kim Ha-neul as wife Jung Da-jung, Yoon Sang-hyun as husband Hong Dae-young, and Lee Do-hyun as the 18-year-old version of Dae-young. The couple's twin children, Hong Shi-ah and Hong Shi-woo, are portrayed by Roh Jeong-eui and Ryeoun.
What is the central premise of 18 Again?
A 37-year-old man is magically transported back into the body of his 18-year-old self, giving him a second chance to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter and repair the cracks in his marriage. The series blends comedy, romance, and family drama around this body-swap conceit.
Where can I stream 18 Again?
The full series is available on iQIYI and Viu, both of which offer subtitles in multiple languages for international viewers.
What is 18 Again adapted from?
The show is a Korean reimagining of Jason Filardi's 2009 American film *17 Again*, which also centered on an adult man regaining his teenage body. The 2020 version expands the story into a 16-episode format and adds its own Korean family-drama sensibility.
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